Exposure to blood borne viruses and the hepatitis B vaccination status among healthcare workers in inner London. Issue 8 (August 1998)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gyawali, P; Rice, P S; Tilzey, A J
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 55:Issue 8(1998)
• Page Start: 570
• Page End: 572
• Publication Date: 1998-08
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oem.55.8.570
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Occupational exposure to blood borne viruses was examined during one year at a London teaching hospital. A total of 236 incidents occurred of which 83% were related to sharps, 32% were clearly avoidable, and 7% involved an infected source patient. Overall uptake of hepatitis B vaccine was 78% but it was particularly low in paramedical (70%) and domestic staff (45%). Continued effort needs to be applied to improve uptake of hepatitis B vaccine and to maintain high standards of control of infection.